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Taking Depositions in Tokyo
Taking a deposition in Japan can be complex; depositions are controlled by detailed treaties and agreements between the United States and the Government of Japan, and procedures cannot be modified or circumvented. Orders by U.S. courts cannot compel the Government of Japan to amend or overlook its judicial regulations and procedures. In addition, the Embassy cannot compel the Government of Japan to act faster, or in a way more convenient or beneficial to any party, even with a U.S. court order requesting such action.
The best way to ensure the success of your deposition is by careful reading of these instructions, and carefully following the steps outlined below.
Processing times can vary; clearance and visa issues solely under the control of the Government of Japan can take several weeks or longer, so it is never too early to begin the process.
US Department of Justice Attorneys please follow this link for additional instructions.
Availability of Tokyo's Deposition Room All depositions must occur at the Embassy or
at our Consulate in Osaka-Kobe (these instructions apply only to the Embassy; follow this link
if you
are seeking to depose in Osaka).
You cannot depose outside of the Embassy or Consulate, such as at a hotel or private office.
We do not have video or teleconferencing equipment available. The Government of
Japan does not permit video or telephonic depositions.
As of , only the following dates are available for depositions:
| Tokyo Availability
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In 2004, no dates are available.
In 2005, the following dates are available:
August 1, 2 and 3 and all dates after 8/5 are currently available.
We are not currently accepting reservations for 2006.
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The American Embassy is closed on both U.S. and Japanese holidays.
Overview of the Deposition Process
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| Within three weeks from the date the tentative reservation was made
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Pay $475.00 reservation fee by international money order or certified bank check payable to the "U.S. Embassy, Tokyo, Japan." Personal or corporate checks are not acceptable. All funds must be in U.S. dollars and checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.
Mail the check to us at: U.S. Embassy Tokyo, attention American Citizen Services - Deposition, 10-5, Akasaka, 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 107-8420. Telephone 03-3224-5000.
Read more information here.
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| One month prior to the deposition
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Court order/commission, and statutory deposition fees express-mailed to:
U.S. Embassy Tokyo, attention American Citizen Services - Deposition, 10-5, Akasaka, 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 107-8420. Telephone 03-3224-5000.
Read more information here.
See sample commission text here (PDF format).
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| At least three weeks prior to the deposition
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Apply for a deposition visa at the Japanese Embassy or a consulate in the U.S.
You cannot apply for your visa until the steps above have been completed and we have scheduled your deposition. The Embassy cannot assist you in obtaining your Japanese visa; contact a travel agent or the Japanese Embassy or Consulate nearest you.
Read more information here.
Information for American Attorneys Residing in Japan.
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| At least three days prior to the deposition
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FAX a list of all participants in your deposition and all electronic equipment to be used to the U.S. Embassy Tokyo, 81-3-3224-5856. This is necessary for our security office to allow you into our building.
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Detailed Instructions This flow chart is only an overview of the process; before beginning to schedule your deposition, please review carefully our detailed instructions to avoid delays.
Important Notes  The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the U.S. Embassy that Japan does not permit telephone or videoconference depositions. Participants must be physically present at the Embassy.
Per the Government of Japan, all depositions must take place on Embassy or Consulate premises; no exceptions are allowed for hotel conference rooms or the like.
All persons participating in a deposition must have the proper Japanese visa.
Support Staff The Embassy does not supply and cannot arrange interpreters, court reporters, video crews and the like. Follow the links below to for staff who you can contact independently to arrange for your support needs.
Stenographic, interpretation and translation services.
Video services.
English-speaking Local Attorneys in the Tokyo area.
Other Resources and Services.
Your Deposition at the Embassy Your use of the deposition room falls under the general security guidelines that govern all visitors to the Embassy. Please note:
The room is yours to use 8:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:00, Mon - Fri, closed Japanese and U.S. holidays.
All persons must present photo ID (preferably a passport) to enter the Embassy, submit to a bag search and use of a metal detector.
You may not bring any electronic devices into the Embassy except those pre-approved for recording the deposition.
No cell phones are allowed inside the Embassy. A pay phone is available just outside the deposition room.
You may not bring food or drinks into the Embassy. A drinks vending machine is available just outside the deposition room.
We have no photocopier available for deposition use. Copies can be made at a convenience store across the street from the Embassy.
There is no smoking anywhere in the Embassy.
There is no public parking available at or near the Embassy (we are very accessible by public transportation or taxi; here is a map).
You must vacate the deposition room between 1300-1400. Several tasty restaurants are within walking distance of the Embassy.
We are unfortunately unable to take phone messages, make calls or send/receive FAXes for you.
The deposition room seats about 8 people, is air conditioned, and has a white board. Limited electrical power is available, with standard U.S.-style plugs but 100V, 50 Hz power. Only dual-voltage, 50/60hz laptops will work; others require an adaptor you must purchase yourself.
Restrooms and a drinking fountain are available just outside the deposition room.
Other Judicial Assistance Information Service of Process in Japan
Visas for Attorneys Deposing in Japan.
Obtaining Evidence in Japan
US Department of Justice Attorneys please follow this link for additional instructions.
For additional questions, please contact the office of Overseas Citizens Services, U.S. Department of State, (202) 647-3675, or visit their web page at travel.state.gov.
For more information, including our phone and FAX number, please contact the
office serving your part of Japan.
The U.S. Embassy and our Consulates are closed on both U.S. and Japanese holidays.
This is an official source of U.S. Government information on the Web. Inclusion of Non-U.S. Government links or information does not imply endorsement of contents.
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Overview